Queensland Police conducting an extensive search of Sheep Station Creek near Rubyvale in relation to the 2008 murder of Francis Foley, have located what is believed to be human remains.
62-year-old Francis Foley (known as Frank) disappeared from his residence in the Reward Fossicking area near Rubyvale, west of Emerald, on or around 23 December 2008.
In July 2022, a person fossicking for gems in Sheep Station Creek approximately one kilometre downstream from Frank’s residence, located human remains.
Scientific examination by the Australian Federal Police National DNA Program for Unidentified and Missing Persons identified the remains as belonging to Francis Foley.
Homicide Cold Case Investigation Team (CCIT) detectives commenced a review into Frank’s death.
Yesterday, a team of police including CCIT detectives, Anakie police and officers from the Major and Organised Crime Squad Rural commenced an extensive search of the now dry creek bed.
With the assistance of 4WDs, a truck, an excavator, and officers on horseback covering a 54km area, what is believed to be further human remains have been located.
The remains will be forensically examined to confirm their origin.
The search at Sheep Station Creek and re-interviewing of nearby residents is continuing today, Queensland Police said in a statement.
Detectives are appealing to anyone with information which could assist the investigation to come forward.
A $500,000 Queensland Government Reward is on offer for information which leads to the apprehension and conviction of the person or persons responsible for this murder. The Government reward further offers an opportunity for indemnity against prosecution for any accomplice, not being the person who actually committed the murder, who first gives such information.
